Real Rider Resource
Horse Hesitating In Transitions
When a horse hesitates — slow trot departures, sticky canter transitions, braced downward shifts — it’s usually discomfort or confusion. This quick guide helps you read what your horse is telling you.
What Riders Notice First
- Slow, sticky trot transitions
- Reluctance to pick up canter
- Hollowing or bracing on downward transitions
- Shorter steps or hesitation before moving forward
Hesitation is rarely attitude — it’s usually your horse saying “this feels hard.”
Common Causes
- Sore back or tight topline
- Hock or stifle discomfort
- Suspensory strain or weakness
- SI tension
- Poor saddle fit
- Weak core or topline
- Unclear rider cues
Quick Rider Checks
- Does warmup improve or worsen hesitation
- Any heat or swelling in legs or joints
- Is the horse hollow, tense, or tight under saddle
- Does the horse consistently resist one specific gait
- Is the saddle slipping, pinching, or bridging
How Draw It Out® Fits In
Horses move better when they feel better. Riders use Draw It Out® 16oz Gel on the back, stifles, and hocks; RTU Spray for broad muscle coverage; CryoSpray for cooling after hard work; and MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for deeper soft-tissue areas.
Want the full transition guide Get deeper breakdowns, red flags, and care routines.
